2007 Audi A3 vs. 1996 Ford Contour
To start off, 2007 Audi A3 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Contour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Contour would be higher. At 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Contour (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2007 Audi A3. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2007 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Audi A3 weights approximately 120 kg more than 1996 Ford Contour.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2007 Audi A3 (250 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2007 Audi A3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Audi A3 | 1996 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Audi | Ford |
| Model | A3 | Contour |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1896 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.5 mm | 84.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.5 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1362 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2710 mm |
